Picture this – your solar installation is finally done, excited and thrilled for huge savings & a sustainable choice. Then, a year after the solar power plant installation, your investments start to falter as the new panels come down since the aging roof wasn’t ready for the load, and suddenly those green dreams bring in unexpected costs. To ensure that these green dreams last for decades, there are certain essentials that needs to be addressed other than a strong roof to begin with.
Currently, investing in solar energy is one of the smartest and most futuristic decisions you can make, not only for your home but also for your wallet and undoubtedly for the planet. The benefits of solar power are well known at this point, starting from reduced electricity bills, lower carbon emissions, and an alternative to other source of electricity. But despite this bright promise, the vision is not always as smooth as the journey. Many industries and even homeowners jump into solar installation without understanding the process or common obstacles that can lead to costly mistakes and also underperform over time. We will walk you through the five most common mistakes to dodge when installing solar panels so you don’t have to face unnecessary hurdles and can enjoy a smoother transition to solar.
1. Is the roof ready?
One of the primary and foundational steps in the solar journey is evaluating whether or not your roof is prepared for solar panels. But unfortunately, this primary step is often the most overlooked step. An aging roof may lead to problems, that will force you to have it repaired by removing the entire solar setup.
- You must be sure that your roof structurally strong enough to have a solar panel setup?
- Make sure you have strong uninterrupted sunlight and no obstruction, such as trees or buildings casting a shadow
- The tilt of the structure on the roof matters; it is suggested that the roof be south-facing (in the northern hemisphere), which ensures maximum sunlight.
Skipping the evaluation and going ahead with just a plan to switch to solar energy can reduce the longevity of the setup and affect the overall performance. It is important for a professional to conduct a roof assessment to have the clarity that your roof is suitable for such a setup and won’t malfunction shortly.
2. Miscalculation of energy needs
Many people try to guess their energy needs instead of actually analyzing their consumption. Whereas it’s tempting to “guesstimate” your energy requirements, but this can cost you dearly. Installing a system that is too small which is under capacity wouldn’t magically lower your electricity bill and consumption, while an oversized system might be overpriced and not required for your needs. Therefore, to avoid this;
- Analyse old electricity bills for the last 6-12 months before solar installation.
- Find out the average monthly power use in kWh.
- Determine if you want to go full offset (full usage) or partial.
A reliable solar installation company or partner would help you analyze your power usage patterns and customize to your specific needs. Don’t let poor planning hamper performance.
3. Opting for a cheaper alternative
Who does not love an alternative that’s cheap and budget-friendly? But is cheap always a better alternative? Not really. Especially choosing an option only because it’s cheap, and in the case of solar installation, it can severely backfire. Low-cost systems equal substandard materials, outdated technology, and shorter to no warranty periods to keep the cost minimal. In the long run, these poor-quality alternatives give out and can lead to lower energy production, maintenance issues, and eventually a reduction of life span.
What to look for?
- Solar installation providers who offer at least 10-25 years of warranty on equipment.
- Select a vendor who is certified.
- Inverters and setups from a reputable brand.
- Certified solar panels with a track record of efficiency.
Switching to solar is a long-term investment. The short-term savings from a cheaper system might seem smart and thrilling but that may quickly disappear due to constant maintenance, repairs, replacements, and inefficiencies. Choosing a trusted solar installation provider is extremely crucial, as it ensures your system’s performance and functionality for the coming decades.
Solar installation is a long-term partnership, the pay off must come with a peace of mind, not just a price tag.
4. Not doing proper research on local regulations and permits
Every region has some specific building rules and regulations, and some standards that need to be followed in the case of solar projects. Skipping and not prioritizing these guidelines can result in delays to your project, legal charges, fines, or, in the worst case, the removal or termination of the system.
Always ensure your installer—
- Handles the documentation and legal procedures that comes with solar installation.
- Follows the stipulated guidelines timely.
- Applies for subsidies if applicable.
Many areas follow strict guidelines and approval processes that can be complex at times. An experienced solar installation company will handle these complications efficiently, ensuring your system is eligible for tariffs and tax benefits.
5. Prioritizing Solar Power Plant Monitoring and Maintenance
The Solar Power Plant, once installed, needs some monitoring and maintenance. Some people believe setting up a solar panel is the be-all and end-all, whereas, while it is true that solar installation is low maintenance, it is most certainly not maintenance-free. Not cleaning the panels for a long time and overlooking dust, leaves, and bird droppings can reduce efficiency. Not installing a monitoring system that tracks real-time performance is also a major oversight. Modern systems offer monitoring of energy production via apps, which helps identify issues early and manage the system efficiently, few providers also organise free health checkup for solar plants. A reputable solar installation company should include these factors and offer them from their end to keep the system in good shape.
Going solar is one of the most futuristic and smart decisions right now, solar installation done right ensures decades of savings and sustainability but some non-negotiable factors need to be kept in mind for sustaining this system. A well-maintained and executed solar installation will provide you with clean energy for decades. At the same time, a few wrong decisions can turn your investment into a stressful loss.
If you are planning to go solar, do your research, take your time, and choose a reliable provider who is ready to guide you at every step. As it’s truly undeniable that it is a long-term partnership.
As a part of our commitment as a solar installation providers, HCK SOLAR is currently offering a complimentary health check up for all solar plants. This service is curated specially to help you keep your solar installation performing efficiently and reliably.
Feel free to call the Solar guy at +91 98747 69000 to discuss your requirements.
Click here www.hcksolar.com
